Police to stop, search helmeted riders in non-mandatory areas
Incidents of crimes such as fights and theft have been reported in Male and Hulhumale in recent weeks.
The Maldives Police Service Sunday announced that motorcycle riders wearing helmets in areas where helmets are not legally required will be stopped and searched.
According to a police statement, some individuals wear helmets in such areas to conceal their identity and commit crimes. It has been observed that such individuals enter service providers and businesses while wearing helmets.
Police regulations mandate that both the driver and passenger must wear helmets in areas where vehicles are permitted to travel at speeds exceeding 30 kilometres per hour. Signboards indicating these areas will be posted.
Police will monitor riders wearing helmets outside these designated areas and stop and search individuals suspected of using helmets to conceal their identity.
"This is a step to ensure the safety and security of everyone," the police statement said.
Incidents of crimes such as fights and theft have been reported in Male and Hulhumale in recent weeks. Police have noted that individuals involved in such crimes often wear helmets, making it difficult to identify them. This has been particularly observed in cases of group altercations.
